Exploring visual journalism

A man and his wolf pack

German wolf researcher Werner Freund, 79, a former German paratrooper, established the Wolfspark Werner Freund, in Merzig in the German province of Saarland. Since 1972, the wolf sanctuary has raised more than 70 animals. The wolves, acquired as cubs from zoos or animal parks, were mostly hand-reared. Spread over 25 acres, Wolfspark is currently home to 29 wolves forming six packs from European, Siberian, Canadian, Artic and Mongolian regions. To become part of the pack, Freund must behave as the wolf alpha male to earn the other wolves respect and to be accepted. Photos taken by Lisi Niesner of Reuters.

Wolf researcher Werner Freund poses for a portrait picture in front of an enclosure at Wolfspark Werner Freund, in Merzig in the German province of Saarland January 24, 2013. (Lisi Niesner/Reuters)

Wolf researcher Werner Freund, his wife Erika and their cat Max sit in the living room of their home near Wolfspark Werner Freund, in Merzig in the German province of Saarland January 24, 2013. Freund, 79, a former German paratrooper, established the wolf sanctuary in 1972 and has raised more than 70 animals over the last 40 years. (Lisi Niesner/Reuters)

Wolf researcher Werner Freund, stands next to hanged deer cadavers at Wolfspark Werner Freund, in Merzig in the German province of Saarland January 24, 2013. (Lisi Niesner/Reuters)

A hanged deer cadaver is pictured at Wolfspark Werner Freund, in Merzig in the German province of Saarland January 24, 2013. (Lisi Niesner/Reuters)

Wolf researcher Werner Freund is surrounded by Mongolian wolves in an enclosure at Wolfspark Werner Freund, in Merzig in the German province of Saarland January 24, 2013. The wolves, acquired as cubs from zoos or animal parks, were mostly hand-reared. (Lisi Niesner/Reuters)

Wolf researcher Werner Freund lies on the ground next to Mongolian wolves as they devour a deer cadaver in an enclosure at Wolfspark Werner Freund, in Merzig in the German province of Saarland January 24, 2013. Werner has to behave as the wolf alpha male of the pack to earn the other wolves respect and to be accepted. (Lisi Niesner/Reuters)

Wolf researcher Werner Freund bites into a deer cadaver next to a Mongolian wolf in an enclosure at Wolfspark Werner Freund, in Merzig in the German province of Saarland January 24, 2013. (Lisi Niesner/Reuters)

Wolf researcher Werner Freund lies on the ground next to Mongolian wolves as they devour a deer cadaver in an enclosure at Wolfspark Werner Freund, in Merzig in the German province of Saarland January 24, 2013. (Lisi Niesner/Reuters)

Mongolian wolf Heiko licks the mouth of wolf researcher Werner Freund in a sign of acknowledgement at Wolfspark Werner Freund, in Merzig in the German province of Saarland January 24, 2013. (Lisi Niesner/Reuters)

Arctic wolves stand in an enclosure at Wolfspark Werner Freund, in Merzig in the German province of Saarland January 24, 2013. Spread over 25 acres, Wolfspark is currently home to 29 wolves forming six packs from European, Siberian, Canadian, Artic and Mongolian regions. (Lisi Niesner/Reuters)

Arctic wolves stand in an enclosure at Wolfspark Werner Freund, in Merzig in the German province of Saarland January 24, 2013. (Lisi Niesner/Reuters)

An Arctic wolf howls while standing in its enclosure at Wolfspark Werner Freund, in Merzig in the German province of Saarland January 24, 2013. (Lisi Niesner/Reuters)

Wolf researcher Werner Freund howls while sitting in an enclosure for Arctic wolves at Wolfspark Werner Freund, in Merzig in the German province of Saarland January 24, 2013. (Lisi Niesner/Reuters)

Wolf researcher Werner Freund holds out a treat as an Arctic wolf comes near an enclosure at Wolfspark Werner Freund, in Merzig in the German province of Saarland January 24, 2013. (Lisi Niesner/Reuters)

Wolf researcher Werner Freund strokes Arctic alpha wolf Monty with his walking stick in an enclosure at Wolfspark Werner Freund, in Merzig in the German province of Saarland January 24, 2013. (Lisi Niesner/Reuters)

Wolf researcher Werner Freund is surrounded by Arctic wolves in an enclosure at Wolfspark Werner Freund, in Merzig in the German province of Saarland January 24, 2013. (Lisi Niesner/Reuters)

Wolf researcher Werner Freund feeds Arctic wolves with meat in an enclosure at Wolfspark Werner Freund, in Merzig in the German province of Saarland January 24, 2013. (Lisi Niesner/Reuters)

Wolf researcher Werner Freund feeds Arctic wolves with meat with his mouth in an enclosure at Wolfspark Werner Freund, in Merzig in the German province of Saarland January 24, 2013. (Lisi Niesner/Reuters)

Wolf researcher Werner Freund feeds Arctic wolves with meat with his mouth in an enclosure at Wolfspark Werner Freund, in Merzig in the German province of Saarland January 24, 2013. (Lisi Niesner/Reuters)

Wolf researcher Werner Freund feeds Arctic wolves with meat with his mouth in an enclosure at Wolfspark Werner Freund, in Merzig in the German province of Saarland January 24, 2013. (Lisi Niesner/Reuters)

Wolf researcher Werner Freund is surrounded by Arctic wolves in an enclosure at Wolfspark Werner Freund, in Merzig in the German province of Saarland January 24, 2013. (Lisi Niesner/Reuters)

Wolf researcher Werner Freund is followed by an Arctic wolf in an enclosure at Wolfspark Werner Freund, in Merzig in the German province of Saarland January 24, 2013. (Lisi Niesner/Reuters)

The Darkroom offers Facebook and WordPress commenting in the hopes of fostering constructive conversation among our users. Please abide by our
Terms of Service when commenting on the site.

Categories

ABOUT THE DARKROOM

The Darkroom, the photography and video blog of The Baltimore Sun, shines a light on visually captivating stories of our past and present. It showcases the exciting work of our staff, offers tips in the craft, and highlights the emerging community of independent media makers. We want your feedback – please contact us with suggestions and ideas.

Recent Comments

neha verma: Hello Jerry what a nice blog that gives information about Ta…